Day. School Assembly. Program Guide: THE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY: Inviting local veterans groups:

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1 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to provide this Teachers Resource Guide. It is our hope that by thanking Americaʼs veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, we can reward them with the honor they so richly deserve. TABLE OF CONTENTS A Message From the President of the United States...III Letter to Principals from the Secretary...IV For the Teachers: School Assembly Classroom Activity Guide Handouts For Older Students (8-12th grade): Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...8 Origins of Veterans Day...9 Lessons of Liberty...10 Department of Veterans Affairs Seal...11 Scholarships Respecting the Flag Americaʼs Wars...16 Handouts For Younger Students (4-7th grade): Tags the Dog...18 Who are Veterans...19 Veterans Day Play Origins of Veterans Day...22 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...23 Veterans Day Maze...24 Word Scramble...25 Respecting the Flag How Can I Get Involved...28 Coloring Book Special Thanks...34

2 Teacher Resources

3 School Assembly School Assembly and educate students with enthusiasm. Veterans groups in your area can be found through your local veterans service organization chapters and VA hospitals. You might be surprised at how many veterans live in your area. Schools that send out invitations often end up with former generals and admirals, Medal of Honor recipients and other distinguished guests coming to speak. Day Program Guide: Undoubtedly, your school will want to put on a program worthy of all these distinguished guests. The following are some suggestions and a sample program guide that will make this Veterans Day memorable for both students and special guests: THE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY: Because the weather can be quite cold in November in many parts of the country, an indoor assembly is far more sensible than one that would take place outside, eliminating the need to have foul weather contingency plans. The scope of such a program may be large enough to permit invitations to the community at large, to include local veterans groups. Students can be encouraged to bring family members that are veterans (especially grandparents) or currently in the Armed Forces. Prelude and Posting of Colors As the audience enters to be seated, a school or community musical organization may offer several appropriate selections. A procession and posting of the Nationʼs colors (the American flag) is always a stirring event. Local veterans service organizations often participate in such programs with their impressive array of military banners and American flags. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and singing of the National Anthem The program chairperson, school principal or student body president, should invite the audience to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Inviting local veterans groups: Inviting local veterans groups can make assembly programs far more exciting and meaningful for students. Students tend to better understand and absorb the significance of Veterans Day when they can attach a human face to it. In addition, veterans groups often put on very exciting shows. From stirring renditions of the National Anthem and Taps to thrilling speeches and stories, veterans, as guests, will both entertain 2 Department of Veterans Affairs Introductory Remarks Brief introductory remarks set the tone for the program. Consider reading the Presidentʼs Veterans Day Proclamation, which the White House issues and posts on the internet shortly before Veterans Day. For more information, go to the web site at Additional remarks and suitable quotations for speeches can be found on the Veterans Day web page or use any of the quotes featured in this guide.

4 Classroom Activity Guide Introduction of Guests Introduce any special guests, which might include local government officials, school alumni with distinguished military service, veterans from the community who represent different periods of service and faculty members who are veterans. Principal Speaker Your principal speaker should be invited far enough in advance to allow adequate preparation for your program. Day Special Musical Selection A band or choral group could offer one of the more impressive patriotic selections available. Student Essay or Reading By including various presentations by individual pupils in school programs, student body participation may be increased. Selected essays from class or school-wide competitions may be offered by the student-author. A reading of a well-known patriotic address by an American President or military hero is also effective. There are a number of published musicals/narratives which can enhance your program. A short play or skit performed by the younger students can be exciting as well. One such play is included in the section for younger students. Moment of Silence, Taps While Veterans Day is primarily a tribute to Americaʼs living veterans, and is typically observed more as a celebration than as a somber remembrance (Memorial Day), it is always appropriate to include a moment of respect for those who gave their lives for their country. The signing of the World War I Armistice took place in a railway coach near the battle zone in France. The bugles sounded cease fire and the hostilities ended, marking a most significant moment in world history. Although 11:00 a.m. remains a traditional hour for this type of tribute, a moment of silence is appropriate at any point in the program. This may be followed by a rendition of Taps. For more information on the history of Taps please visit Closing The Master of Ceremonies announces Retire the Colors. Accompanied by appropriate music, such as a John Philip Sousa march, the Colors are paraded out of the assembly area. This concludes the ceremony. CLASSROOM ACTIVITY GUIDE: School Newspaper Veterans Day stories can be featured in school publications. Publish a roster of faculty members who are veterans. Describe Veterans Day activities being held in classrooms throughout the school. Poster Contest The creative talents of students can be encouraged through participation in a school-wide Veterans Day poster contest. Winners should be appropriately recognized and awarded certificates. Local newspapers should be invited to photograph the winning entries. Honoring all who served 3

5 Classroom Activity Guide the Veterans Day web page: Envelopes sent to medical centers should be addressed to Voluntary Service Director and those sent to veterans homes should be addressed to Administrator. Flag-Raising Ceremony Weather permitting, outdoor flag-raising ceremonies highlight an activity that occurs daily at many schools, but often goes unnoticed. Such a ceremony, although brief, should include the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the National Anthem. A special guest may be invited to participate. Messages for Veterans One of the most personal and meaningful Veterans Day activities for students is to send notes or cards to hospitalized veterans or those living in veterans homes. Students can design and send individual notes or cards or work together as a group to send an oversized card or poster signed by all of the students in a class. The cards and posters can then be mailed in one large envelope to the nearest VA medical center or state veterans home. Addresses for state veterans homes and VA medical centers in your area can be found in the blue government pages of the telephone book. There also is a link to the VA facility locator on 4 Musical Program Veterans Day offers an excellent opportunity for school or community musical organizations to display their talents. A midday concert at the school or at a central location in the community may be especially dedicated to Veterans Day. An innovative program might include selections known to have been popular during Americaʼs wars. Library Activities School or community libraries can prepare lists of recommended reading material suitable for Veterans Day. An appropriate display of book jackets or a special shelf containing selected publications can be used to call attention to the project. For more ideas, go to the Library of Congress web site for children at Football Games Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day is observed at the time of year when schools and clubs are engaged in the football season. The presentation of the colors and playing of the National Anthem may be keyed to Veterans Day by an appropriate public address announcement. Halftime presentations by school bands afford an ideal opportunity to offer special patriotic selections and marching routines. Card section displays may also be used to spell out phrases such as Thank You Veterans or Veterans Day in stadium stands to visually recognize those who served in the military.

6 Classroom Activity Guide School Cafeteria Activities Patriotic decorations in school dining areas add a colorful reminder of Veterans Day. One could create special menu items such as decorated cupcakes or cookies. Download VAʼs Veterans Day 2006 poster from the web site for placement in the cafeteria, in classrooms and on school bulletin boards. Day Writing Assignments Veterans Day themes can be included in writing assignments. Assign students to write about accounts of military service told by local veterans. Assign students to investigate the various benefits offered to veterans by government agencies. Write about veterans who are receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Describe various veterans memorials which may be located nearby. Uniforms and Emblems The colorful and varied uniforms and emblems worn by members of the Armed Forces throughout our history offer students of all ages ideal subjects to draw and paint. Elementary school children enjoy opportunities to create and exhibit costume items. Making colored construction paper hats representing various military eras is a modest and effective way of gaining the interest of students in Veterans Day subjects. The official emblems and seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard can be portrayed by students in a variety of methods, such as mosaics, applique, decoupage, as well as the traditional painting and drawing approaches. Movies and Documentaries To introduce students to a particular war or period of service, show appropriately rated movies and documentaries as a starting point to discuss the history, politics and meaning behind each war. Consider bringing a veteran into the classroom to discuss his or her personal experience in the service and how it compares to the movies. Department of Veterans Affairs Local VA facilities medical centers, regional benefits offices and national cemeteries can serve as sources of information and speakers for Veterans Day programs. They can also provide contact with local veterans service organizations and arrange visits, tours and other special programs for students. To contact your local VA facilities, look under Department of Veterans Affairs in the federal government listings in the local telephone directory. Honoring all who served 5

7 Classroom Activity Guide Plays and Skits A short dramatic scene can make Veterans Day meaningful for students by providing an opportunity to perform historical research and use creativity to express their feelings about veterans. The script for a play written for elementary school students to perform can be found on page 20 of this guide. Patriotic Groups Day The following sections provide hand-outs and fun games for students, which will help them better understand and appreciate Veterans Day. Please select hand-outs that are appropriate for the grade level of your students and feel free to reproduce the following pages as necessary. Local veterans, historical or other patriotic organizations may enliven Veterans Day programs by providing period-uniformed flag bearers, fife and drum corps, and other marching and musical units. These organizations may also provide speakers with unique military experiences to share. One of the most popular activities among students is to meet with local veterans during an assembly or in individual classrooms to hear veterans share their experiences and answer questions. The veterans can be relatives of students or members of local veterans service organizations. Studentsʼ Relatives Ask students to research and list all their known relatives who have served in the Armed Forces. With nearly a quarter of the United States population consisting of veterans, their dependents and survivors, students may tap into a rich history going back as far as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. 6 Department of Veterans Affairs

8 Student Resources Day

9 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier A SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD In 1921, an American soldier his name known but to God was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC. The burial site of this unknown World War I soldier in Arlington National Cemetery symbolized dignity and reverence for Americaʼs veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier of the Great War was buried in each nationʼs highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If World War I had indeed been the war to end all wars, November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But in 1939, World War II broke out in Europe and shattered that dream. Of the 16 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during World War II, more than 400,000 died. 8 Department of Veterans Affairs

10 Origins of Veterans Day TO HONOR VETERANS OF ALL WARS Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized a Veterans Day parade for that city on November 11, 1947, to honor all of America's veterans for their loyal service. Later, U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation changing the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all those who have served America in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. In addition to fulfilling that mission, the committee oversees the annual production and distribution of the Veterans Day Poster and this Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide. In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, it became apparent that the November 11th date was historically significant to a great many Americans. As a result, Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional date in The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America's war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a "Parade of Flags" by numerous veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. In addition to planning and coordinating the National Veterans Day Ceremony, the Veterans Day National Committee supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites. These sites conduct Veterans Day celebrations that provide excellent examples for other communities to follow. Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional date in Honoring all who served 9

11 Lessons of Liberty Lessons of Liberty America was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all, and on Veterans Day we recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who have valiantly defended these values throughout our Nationʼs history. Veterans Day is also a great opportunity to teach younger generations about veterans and their role in securing the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. One of the best ways to teach this lesson is to invite veterans to participate in school Veterans Day observances. President George W. Bush encouraged educators to invite veterans into schools during the week of Veterans Day when he started the Lessons of Liberty initiative in I have a special mission for our veterans, and a special request of our schools, President Bush told students and educators at a high school near Washington, D.C., on Oct. 30, I ask all public, private and home schools to join our Lessons for Liberty initiative, by inviting a veteran to speak to your students during the week of Veterans Day. American veterans have extraordinary stories. We should listen to them. American veterans preserved our world and freedom, and we should honor them. American veterans show us the meaning of sacrifice and citizenship, and we should learn from them. By sharing their first-hand experiences during some of the most proud and dramatic moments in our history, veterans can help educate and inspire a new generation of Americans. The Lessons of Liberty initiative is supported by veterans groups across America. For a directory of veterans service organizations, please visit or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs by looking in the federal government section of the local telephone directory. For additional information on the Lessons of Liberty initiative, please visit: va.gov/opa/iga/liberty/index.asp. 10 Department of Veterans Affairs

12 Department of Veterans Affairs Seal The Nike swoosh and McDonalds golden arches corporate America calls them logos are symbols that automatically identify a business in the public mind. They are closely guarded and protected and worth millions of dollars. Symbols are just as important to government agencies. A Federal agencyʼs official seal, for example, carries the full weight and impact of the laws, resources and responsibilities vested in it by the American people. VAʼs current seal dates back to 1989 when the then Veterans Administration, an independent agency of the Federal government, became a Cabinet member agency (now the Department of Veterans Affairs). This brought many changes to VA, including a new VA seal. The reproduction and use of the VA seal is specified by law (38 CFR 1.9). It is reserved for limited use as the symbol of governmental authority invested by the Department. The seal identifies all official documents, certifications, awards, publications, regulations and reports. The five stars represent Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard The eagle holds the cord to perpetuate the memory of all slain Americans and their sacrifices The flag represents the span of Americaʼs history from 13 colonies to present 50 states The golden cord symbolizes those who have fallen in defense of this country A design submitted by David Gregory, a medical media production specialist working at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center was chosen. He focused on traditional American symbols and his own innovative symbolism to visually convey VAʼs special mission. Honoring all who served 11

13 Scholarships assist sick and disabled veterans. This program recognizes young volunteers who are active participants in the VA Voluntary Service program. Volunteers age 21 or younger, volunteering a minimum of 100 hours at a VA medical center during the previous calendar year, are eligible. Scholarships can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning; to include universities, colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, etc. Scholarships must be utilized in full prior to the recipient attaining the age of 25. Employees of the DAV national organization and their families are not eligible to receive a scholarship. Nominations for this award must be submitted by the Voluntary Service Program Manager at the VA medical center. For additional information, please visit Scholarships The Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship is offered to a direct descendant of a Purple Heart recipient. A veteranʼs spouse, children, grandchildren, natural, adopted and or step are all eligible. Qualifications include proof of the Purple Heart, 2.75 GPA and a full time student at a college/university or trade school. Please visit their web site at The Military Officers Association of America provides scholarships, interest free loans, and grants available to children of military personnel seeking their undergraduate degree. The online application is available in early November and information on the different programs may be found at org/education. The DAV Youth Volunteer Scholarship The Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship encourages young people to get involved in volunteer work to Denise Applewhite The VFWʼs Military Family Scholarship program provides 25 $3,000 scholarships annually to VFW members who are currently serving in uniform or have been discharged within the 12 months before the December 31 deadline. The scholarships will be awarded to five members from each branch of service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard) during the first quarter of the year following the deadline. Complete information and entry forms can be accessed at The Womenʼs Army Corps Veteranʼs Association Scholarship recognizes relatives of Army service women. This scholarship is based upon academic achievement and leadership as expressed through co-curricular activities and community involvement. A $1, scholarship will be given annually. The recipient will be notified by mail. For additional information please visit www. armywomen.org. The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) offers the Kathryn F. Gruber Scholarship Program. These scholarships are available for spouses or dependent children of blinded veterans. Blindness need not be service connected nor do they have to be members of BVA. Additional information is available at 12 Department of Veterans Affairs

14 Scholarships The Vietnam Veterans of America Mike Nash Memorial Scholarship is available to members of Vietnam Veterans of America or spouses, children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of Vietnam veterans who are deceased, missing in action, or killed in action. Applications must be received by June 30th of each year. Please visit for more information. The Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc., offers a scholarship for members in good standing for at least one year. It is available for a memberʼs spouse or their linear descendants to include adopted children, stepchildren, foster children and their immediate descendants. The applicant must be enrolled or accepted to a program of any post-secondary education. Additional information is available by calling The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) offers 15 new scholarships (13 - $900 and 2 - $1000) each school year to the dependents of NCOA members. The deadline for submission of applications is March 31. An information sheet and application can be obtained at: The LaVerne Noyes Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to direct blood descendants of someone who has served in the U.S. Army or Navy in World War I and whose service was terminated by death or honorable discharge. The applicant must be a United States citizen who is a blood descendant of a United States Army or Navy World War I veteran, who served for at least four months prior to November 11, 1918, and whose military service was terminated by death or an honorable discharge. A recipient must be enrolled full-time in a degreeseeking undergraduate program. This scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. The dollar amount of the scholarship will be determined by the total number of eligible recipients and the funds available from the endowment each year. Please contact your universityʼs tuition assistance office for information. Writing Contests The Voice of Democracy is a broadcast essay contest for students in grades Students are required to write and record a script on a patriotic theme. This yearʼs theme is Freedomʼs Challenge. The essay, entry form and cassette or CD must be submitted to a local VFW Post. A total of more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives are given each year. State competition winners are invited to Washington, D.C., to compete for $145,000 in scholarships. Deadline for entries is November 1, For additional information visit www. vfw.org. Robert Turtil Patriotʼs Pen is an essay contest for students in grades 6-8. The entry, deadline and competition process is the same as the Voice of Democracy. Winners compete at the national level for U.S. Savings Bonds. Honoring all who served 13

15 Respecting the Flag I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Important Things to Remember The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. If not in uniform, a person should remove his or her hat with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Display the U.S. flag every day, but es pe cial ly on national and state holidays. On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff in the forenoon (sunrise until noon), then raised to its normal position at the top of the staff. When raising the flag to halfstaff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it half-way. When lowering a flag that has been flying at half-staff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it all the way. The U.S. flag should be displayed on or near the main building of every public institution, in or near every school on school days, and in or near every polling place on election days. Always hoist the U.S. flag briskly. Lower it slowly and ceremoniously. Always allow the U.S. flag to fall free never use the U.S. flag as drapery, festooned, drawn back or up in folds. For draping platforms and decoration in general, use blue, white and red bunting. Always arrange the bunting with blue above, the white in the middle and the red below. Never fasten, display, use or store the U.S. flag in a manner that will permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way. Never use the U.S. flag as a covering or drape for a ceiling. Never place anything on the U.S. flag and never have placed upon it, or on any part of it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature. The U.S. flag should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions, hand ker chiefs, and the like; printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded; or used as any portion of a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, fire fighters, police officers and members of patriotic or ga ni za tions. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff from which the flag is flown. Things Not to Do Never show disrespect to the U.S. flag. Never dip (lower quickly and then raise) the U.S. flag to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags and organization or institutional flags are dipped as a mark of honor. Never display the U.S. flag with the field of stars at the bottom, except as a distress signal. Never let the U.S. flag touch anything beneath it ground, floor, water or merchandise. Never carry the U.S. flag horizontally, but always aloft and free. Many Marines gave their lives to raise the American flag on Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima in Based on a photograph by Joseph Rosenthal, the Marine Corps War Memorial depicts this sacrifice. Located by Arlington National Cemetery, it is a tribute to all the Marines who have fallen in combat. 14 Department of Veterans Affairs

16 Folding the Flag OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE (a) Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE (b) Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. (c) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. (d) Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. (e) Triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in the triangular shape with only the blue field visible. When the U.S. flag is no longer in suitable condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Many veterans groups perform this service with dignified, respectful flag retirement ceremonies. Honoring all who served 15

17 America's Wars WORLD WAR I ( ) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...4,734,991 Battle Deaths...53,402 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)...63,114 Non-mortal Woundings...204,002 Living Veterans...less than 25 WORLD WAR II ( ) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...16,112,566 Battle Deaths...291,557 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)...113,842 Non-mortal Woundings...671,846 Living Veterans...3,279,769 KOREAN WAR ( ) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...5,720,000 Battle Deaths...33,741 Other Deaths (in Theater)...2,833 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)...17,672 Non-mortal Woundings...103,284 Living Veterans...3,144,812 VIETNAM WAR ( ) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...8,744,000 Battle Deaths...47,424 Other Deaths (in Theater)...10,785 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)...32,000 Non-mortal Woundings...153,303 Living Veterans...7,989,714 GULF WAR ( ) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...2,322,332 Battle Deaths Other Deaths (in Theater) Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)...1,590 Non-mortal Woundings Living Veterans...2,015,235 WAR ON TERROR ( PRESENT) Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)...1,378,014 Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan...227,400 Battle Deaths...2,027 Other Deaths (in Theater) Non-mortal Woundings...18,586 Living Veterans...555, All figures May as of May 2006

18 Kid s Packet Donʼt Forget, Thank a Vet!

19 Tags the Dog Hi! I m Tags the Dog. I m a guard dog at Arlington National Cemetery. Usually it s pretty quiet around here, since it s a cemetery, but on November 11th, 20,000 people visit for the Veterans Day celebrations. I can t wait for Veterans Day. I will meet the President, our courageous men and women in the Armed Forces and many brave veterans. Veterans Day is a very exciting and important day. There is so much to do and learn to get ready for Veterans Day! 18 Department of Veterans Affairs

20 Who are Veterans? Have you ever met a veteran? A veteran is a man or woman who has served in the military, in peacetime or fought in a war. Veterans work to protect us and our freedom. I meet many veterans here at Arlington National Cemetery. I bet you have met a few as well. Maybe you have a parent or grandparent who is a veteran or an aunt, uncle, sister or brother. I made a list of some of the people I know who are veterans and you could too. 1) Roald Dahl - Dahl was a fighter pilot in WWII. After the war he wrote many famous books, such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. 2) Elvis Presley 3) Dr. Seuss 4) Bill Cosby -Drafted into the Army in 1958, in the middle of his singing career, Elvis served two years in Korea. - He joined the Army during WWII where he worked in Hollywood creating documentaries. He received a Legion of Merit medal for his work. - Cosby was in the Navy for four years, where he helped soldiers who were injured in Korea. Honoring all who served 19

21 Veterans Day Play I told my friends Fiddo and Fluffy about veterans. We wanted everyone to learn about veterans, so we put on a play for their class. INTRODUCTION: The following is a presentation set in a school library where fifth grade students have been sent to do a research project on veterans and the Veterans Day holiday. SETTING: Table in Media Center Student 1: Hey, did you bring your markers and paper? Student 2: Yes. I have everything weʼll need for our pictures and drawings. Student 1: What are we going to draw? Student 2: Silly! You know weʼre here to research veterans and the Veterans Day Holiday on November 11th. Student 3: How do I draw a veteran? I donʼt even know what it is. Student 4: A veteran is a who and not a what. Youʼd better start by going to the dictionary and looking up the definition of a veteran. Student 3: What do you mean a veteran is a who? Student 1: Go look it up! We can use the definition in our project! Student 3: Is a veteran a person? Student 2: Go look it up in the dictionary! Student 3: All right! All right! (Student 3 pages through dictionary.) Here it is, A veteran is a person who has served in the Armed Forces, an experienced soldier, especially one who served in time of war. Veterans Day is a legal holiday in the United States honoring all veterans of the Armed Forces. Student 1: See, a veteran isnʼt a what, itʼs a person who died for our country. Theyʼre the ones that get flags put on their graves on holidays. 20 Department of Veterans Affairs

22 Veterans Day Play Student 4: No! No! No! A veteran isnʼt always someone who died in a war, or who even fought in a war at all. Student 3: Sheʼs right. A veteran is a man who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force. Student 4: Well, youʼre half right. Student 2: What do you mean Iʼm half right? Student 4: Well, women can be veterans too. Many women have served our country in the Armed Forces in times of peace and in times of war. Women can be veterans too. Student 3: You mean a veteran doesnʼt have to have been in a war? Student 1: No. Just having been in the Armed Forces makes a person a veteran. Student 2: Wow! Veterans are really special people arenʼt they? I mean, if a person is in the Armed Forces and we have a war, then they have to go. Right? Student 4: No, not really. Veterans are people who have already served, but are no longer in the Armed Forces of our country. My grandfather is a veteran. He was in the Korean War, and my uncle Jake is a veteran too because he was in the Navy. Student 3: You know, veterans really are special people and they deserve to be honored with a holiday. Student 1: There are a lot of patriotic songs that honor veterans and our country. Maybe we could include a song with our project. Student 2: I think thereʼs a song book over here that has all the words to patriotic songs. Student 4: Great! Letʼs pick out one that everybody can sing along with. Student 3: Veterans Day would be a good time to remember and to thank veterans for all they have done for us and for our country. Finale: A patriotic song, such as The National Anthem, God Bless America, America the Beautiful, or God Bless the U.S.A., is performed by the actors or an assembled group of students. The rest of the students also may be encouraged to sing along. Honoring all who served 21

23 Origins of Veterans Day Veterans Day takes place on the 11th of November every year. Veterans Day is celebrated all over the country with parades and celebrations. One big national celebration takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. During this celebration, the President of the United States places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. After this, a bugler sounds Taps which is followed by a parade that includes many veterans groups. Veterans Day takes place on the 11th because in 1918 on 11 a.m., World War I ended. That was the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. That day became know as Armistice Day but the peace did not last and a second World War broke out. The first Veterans Day parade was held in A man named Raymond Weeks helped to organize it in Birmingham, Alabama in order to honor All of America s veterans for their loyal service. Then in 1954, President Eisenhower made Veterans Day a national celebration and so now every year on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the President places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetary, where he honors all Americans who have fought and died to serve our country! Veterans Affairs Honoring All Who Served 22 Department of Veterans Affairs

24 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier In 1921, after the end of World War I, an American soldier was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C. He was given a big funeral and buried in a large marble tomb, but he wasn t a famous man, his name was known but to God. He fought bravely in World War I, but when he died no one could figure out who he was. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery as a symbol for all those who lost family members in the war and were unable to bury their loved ones. His tomb now symbolizes our dignity and reverence for all America s veterans. Honoring all who served 23

25 Veterans Day Maze Help Tags the dog get to the Veterans Day parade before 11:00 a.m. He better hurry, the parade starts soon! 24 Department of Veterans Affairs

26 Word Scramble INSTRUCTIONS: Unscramble each of the clue words Copy the letters in the grey cells to the cells in the secret word with the corresponding number. Have Fun! EORH VERAB ROONH REDEMOF 2 CORGUEA 6 OSILEDR 5 CETREPS 3 SECRET WORD Secret Word: Veteran Answers: Hero, Brave, Honor, Freedom, Courage, Soldier, Respect Honoring all who served 25

27 Respecting the Flag I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Respecting The Flag The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be given by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When raising the flag to half-staff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it half-way. When lowering a flag that has been flying at halfstaff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it all the way. Display the U.S. flag every day, but especially on national and state holidays. On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at halfstaff from sunrise until noon. Always hoist the U.S. flag briskly. Lower it slowly and ceremoniously. The U.S. flag should be displayed on or near the main building of every public institution, in or near every school on school days, and in or near every polling place on election days. Never show disrespect to the U.S. flag, place anything on it, draw on it or use it as anything but as a flag. Never display the U.S. flag with the stars at the bottom, except as a distress signal. When the U.S. flag is no longer in suitable condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. Many veterans groups perform this service with dignified, respectful flag retirement ceremonies. 26 Department of Veterans Affairs

28 Folding the Flag OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE (a) Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE (b) Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. (c) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. (d) Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. (e) Triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in the triangular shape with only the blue field visible. Folding the Flag Honoring all who served 27

29 How Can I Get Involved? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Rehabilitation Special Events promote the healing of body and spirit. They motivate eligible veterans to reach their full potential, improve their independence, achieve a healthier lifestyle and enjoy a higher quality of life. Each year VA sponsors four national events for U.S. military veterans served by VA medical facilities nationwide. Each program enhances physical, social and emotional well-being of veterans who participate. Veterans involved in these events and the hundreds of VA employees and volunteers who support them each year all share a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. The four special events are the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. To learn more about how to get involved, please log onto The Winter Sports Clinic has made a big difference in my life. I believe that there is life after an injury, and the Clinic teaches you to adapt to your disability and to believe in yourself. I enjoy sharing with newly injured veterans what is possible. -Terry Livingston Winter Sports Clinic Wheelchair Games Golden Age Games Creative Arts Festival 28 Department of Veterans Affairs

30 Coloring Book! 29

31 Color in your own medal and wear it in honor of our disabled veterans IN HONOR OF DISABLEDVETERANS

32 The Purple Heart is an American decoration--the oldest military decoration in the world in present use. It was the first American award made available to the common soldier. General George Washington initially created the medal when it was called the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is presented to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die as a result of wounds received in combat. It is specifically a combat decoration. Cited from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Website.

33 The Seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs The Nike swoosh and McDonaldʼs golden arches are both corporate America logos. A logo is a symbol that identifies a business. They are closely guarded and protected. They are worth millions of dollars. Symbols are just as important to government agencies. VAʼs seal was made in 1989 by David Gregory of Indianapolis. He focused on traditional American symbols. The two flags in the eagleʼs talons symbolize Americaʼs history from the thirteen colonies to the present fifty states. A golden cord, symbolic of those Americans who have fallen in service to their country, binds the flags. The cord is also held by the eagle to perpetuate the memory of those veterans who have sacrificed for our Nation. The sealʼs colors are derived from the American flag and the natural colors of the earth, representing our Nationʼs commitment to its veterans.

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